Windows XP Tips

Even though Windows Xp isn’t the latest Microsoft operating system available, It still seems to be the most popular and people still want to learn new Windows Xp tips and tricks. When windows XP was released I did not use it on my main computer until they had ironed out all of the incompatibility issues and bugs. The same thing is happening now with Windows Vista and Windows Seven.

How to format a computer A collection of tutorials on how to format a computer using Windows XP. The articles include how to delete a partition, how to get into bios, how to backup before formatting Windows, and much more..

Format Windows XP This article follows the process of formatting Windows XP from the moment you put the Windows disc into your drive. It explains what choices to make.

Taskbar and Start Menu There is so many things you can do to customize your computer experience in Windows XP, and this is my favorite. You can enable a quick launch toolbar, delete items from the start menu, and move items to where you want them to be.

How To Create Keyboard Shortcuts These are not the standard shortcuts that we use everyday. You can create your own shortcuts to open programs in Windows XP. This makes the program open in an instant.

On screen keyboard Here’s a quick tip on how to access the on screen keyboard. It can be very handy when there are broken keys on you laptop keyboard.

Windows Control Panel A basic summary of what is in the Windows control panel and what settings you can change from there. The control panel in Windows is where all your different settings are. You can access the system properties box, folder options, printer options, internet options, and more..

Burn a CD Use the built in Cd Burner Program for Windows XP. All you have to do is put a cd in your drive and then drag and drop the files that you want to burn to the cd. Windows makes it very easy.

Customize folders This is a great little trick because you can add a picture to the front of a folder so you know what it is. It makes it easier to find what you want.

Run Command Window Here are some useful commands to type into the run box. For example you can type cmd for a dos command window, type regedit to edit the registry, and type gpedit.msc to edit the group policy. This may sound confusing to some people, however there are some very simple shortcuts and tricks with the Windows run box.

Show Desktop Icon If you have accidentally deleted your show desktop icon from your desktop or quick launch toolbar, here are some ways to get it back. The show desktop icon, when clicked on, brings up your Windows desktop.

Common Folder paths Here are some hard to remember folder paths in Window XP. This means the paths to those hidden files or hard to find files.

Hide a folder You may have a file or folder that you do not want other people to view, so why not hide it. That way people can browse around your computer and not even know that the folder or file is even there.

The Registered Owner Details Its annoying when you buy a secondhand computer and the previous owners name is still on your computer. Here are a few tips to get rid of the previous owners details and personalize your computer with your own details.

Logoff and Lock your computer with Fast User Switching in Xp. This is a great feature and lets you log out very quickly. If someone comes to see what is on your screen you can quickly log off and all they will see is the log in screen. This is what my kids try to use when I catch them playing games instead of doing homework.

Create a shortcut to shutdown Make a shutdown, restart, or a logoff shortcut on your desktop. If you press on this icon after you have made it, it will shutdown your computer like lightning.

How to change your screen resolution in Windows XP You can change your screen resolution to whatever is compatible with your display adapter or video card. Having 800 x 600 resolution makes everything big on your screen. This is great for the seniors. The higher the resolution the smaller your icons get. (Also depends on your monitor size)

System properties box How to find it quick. (info about your computer). With the tap of a few keys the system properties box opens fast. It has valuable information about your computer like the processor speed and how much memory is installed.

Folder Options What settings can you change in the Windows Control Panels folder options. This is a very important place in Windows as the folder options controls some major settings for your computer.

Activate A trick to re-activate Windows XP. Its probably not even worth the effort, however some people just love to try these tips and tricks out.

Slideshow Screensaver Create your own in Windows. Use your picture folder as a screen saver slide show made with all your favorite photos.

How to Create Backups Using windows XP Pro. It has a backup feature that is very valuable and should be used more often.

Create Directory List This is a great Windows tip for making a list of files in a directory. For example you may want to know what music you have in the my music folder. You can print a list out to view. This really helps you get your computer organized.

Change a drive letter Change your hard drive or dvd drive letter in Windows XP. If your main hard drive is c: and your cd drive is d: you can rename D: to E: F: G: and so on.. This is necessary because Windows XP automatically choices the drive letters.

Scheduled tasks See how to change when tasks are to be completed by Windows XP. You can set tasks to run when it suits you.

Path to a File or Folder Find a file or folder path in Windows XP. It is very handy to know and understand where things are on your computer.

How to Use Local Users and Groups in Windows XP This is a fantastic video tutorial showing you how to manage your local users and groups in Windows XP. This can also apply to Windows Vista and Windows 7. You can create all remove users, create groups, disable accounts, and so much more.

If you have any more Windows XP tips to add, please comment in the section below.

About Mitz

My name is Milica Pantic but everyone calls me Mitz.
…I am a computer freak but I do not always talk in tech language. Hope you enjoy my website and learn everything you need to know in an easy to understand way..Tips4pc Youtube Channel